Getting the Most Out of Attending a Professional Conference

Analytical chemistry is an important tool for understanding whether it’s being deployed in the field of healthcare, forensics, agriculture or engineering, and the chemical analysis equipment that’s used to investigate samples is constantly being upgraded and improved. That’s why continuing education conferences are so important for chemical analysts who are interested in keeping up to date with the latest technological developments in their field.

What Is Continuing Education?

In its broadest sense, continuing education is any type of adult learning that takes place outside an academic program that’s designed to confer a degree. Continuing education can consist of one-time classes, ongoing courses, seminars, conferences and even webinars. Continuing education often focuses upon enhancing students’ expertise in a particular field, and many professions that require licensure or certification make continuing education mandatory for practitioners who want to maintain their status.

Continuing Education Conferences

One of the most popular venues for continuing education is the professional conference. These conferences often turn into industry events with sponsors and vendors. In addition to helping professionals stay current with the latest trends in their fields, continuing education conferences also enable these individuals to network. Catching up with past colleagues and making new acquaintances may lead to professional opportunities and can help administrators identify employment candidates and source new vendors. Conferences typically take place at locations that offer amenities, which makes it easy for attendees to combine business with pleasure.

Conference Etiquette

If you want to get the most out of your conference experience, take some time to familiarize yourself with the program before you check in at the registration desk. These days, most conferences put their programs up online; if not, conference organizers will probably mail you a program. Identify the presentations you may want to attend and the noteworthy people in your field that you may want to meet.

If you’re interested in having a one-on-one meeting with an industry influencer, it may be a good idea to email that person to arrange a sit-down as soon as you confirm your own attendance. Conference guests understand that part of their function is to network, but their schedules tend to fill up fast.